13 Things You Will NEVER See on a Cruise Again

Cruising has changed a lot over the years! In fact, there are some old & newer cruise traditions that cruise passengers won't likely see on their next cruise vacation.

These are things that we used to see on cruise ships, but are now either gone or far less common than in the past. These cruise activities & things that happen on cruises are changing fast.

Whether you're a first time cruiser or an avid cruiser, this video is full of fun cruise talk & cruise tips! Great for Carnival cruise passengers, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Disney cruises & any cruise line.

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Please note that I am unable to give personal cruise and travel advice. If you leave a comment I try my best to answer.

ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!

Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
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Some of the video B-Roll footage courtesy of RCCL & Celebrity Cruises
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Music Credit: Surf Time by Lux-InspiraMusicMusic

[goomy]

I cruise for the elegance and pampering. Turn-down service, chocolates, clean hand towels several time a day, midnight buffets/desserts, evening formal dress codes -- all part of the magic!

[JeffreyLiddell-ei]

Botton Line: We are paying a lot more and getting a lot less for our cruise experiences.

[jackio]

I can understand why they would stop doing towel animals but it would be great if they offered a class in making them as it’d be a fun skill to take away from the cruise.

[kristeneckerty]

We love the towel animals. On our last cruise my son (6) woke early so he and I went for breakfast and a walk. We were walking the pool deck just as the crew members were setting up the towel animal display. He was enchanted and spent 45 minutes examining each towel animal. One of the crew members who was towel folding even gave him one.

[susanatwell]

Gotta say - the towels make me smile each and every time and I get the "waste" but it is one thing that seems to be SOOOO enjoyable by every single person on a cruise

[victoriacaddy]

In my early 20s, back in the 1980s, I went on several cruises. The ice sculptures were magnificent and the midnight buffet displays were out of this world. It added to the extravagance of the cruise. Also, every night in the main diningroom (there were no restaurants) guests were required to dress well. No jeans, no t-shirts, no shorts, etc. Once again, this rule helped make cruising no just a vacation but each night was an lavish event. Being on a cruise was an experience you simply did not get in your day to day life. Fantastic!

[LAVBell]

My mom told me that many, many years ago, your room steward would unpack everything for you. Every day they looked at the evening dress you were planning to wear (every night was formal) and have a matching corsage waiting for you in your cabin.

[peggyevansquilt]

I remember everything you mentioned. The midnight buffet was really showing how decorative you could make food. First everyone walked past the buffet and admitted the roses, Eagles, etc. And ice sculpture. Then they when back in line to set their plates. It was something to see. A real highlight of the cruise. You even got a tour of the kitchens.

[brianwaldo]

My parents used to cruise quite often during the 70s and 80s. My father, who won numerous national trapshooting championships in Canada, really enjoyed the “skeet” shooting where he usually ended up instructing the instructor.

[denisek]

In-person muster drills should remain mandatory. Cruise ships are built larger at least every other year. Knowing exactly where your muster station is located, along w/ the staff members faces alongside your lifeboat, is not a waste of time. Information is key to getting to safety in case of an emergency. Thinking back to the Costa Concordia: No muster drill commenced before the boat sank (and the captain abandoned his passengers.) Having fun is the goal, but not before preparing for evacuation to save your life and the lives of those you love!

[lauragb]

My first cruise was in 1975 as a 10 yr old…the towel animals, golf off the ship, muster drill, formal dress and midnight buffets with ice sculptures are all part of my first Cruise memories. I’ve noticed most of that is gone. I’m sad to see going now: the large main rooms, replaced by several smaller ones and no longer getting the same waitstaff each night.

[teresanewton]

I love the towel animals! We took a 17 day Panama Canal cruise many years ago on HAL. I put the towel animals all around our room. Toward the end of the cruise, our steward came in and said, “can I get the towels? I’m running out of towels for the cabins!” 🤣🤣. I love your videos. Even after 23 cruises, I still learn things. 🛳️ Thank you

[krich]

I remember all of them! Hands down, the best cruise years were in the 1990’s.

[KhordLizardMage]

We went on our first cruise this past May with Royal Caribbean and we had towel animals every day. We enjoyed the variety of different animals represented amongst the three cabins that our family had.

[marygoode]

Cruising was more glamorous in the past. Truly miss those days and glad we could experience it before things turn for the worst😊

[juliejindra-tuwl]

We're on the last day of our Alaska cruise on Royal Princess. On our sea day through Glacier Bay National Park there was a huge ice sculpture with bottles of alcohol stuck inside. Also there is an ice sculpture demonstration later today. We have cabin stewards coming twice a day - they work so hard! Also we had two formal nights, and I was surprised to see how many people were very dressed up. Many women were wearing long gowns, and there were many men in full suits as well. The champagne Tower was beautiful! But as you said, you could take part in as little or as much of these things as you wanted. Fantastic cruise!

[simonhorner]

One tradition that seems to have disappeared completely is the Baked Alaska in the main dining room on a formal night. The waiting staff would enter the restaurant in procession, to musical accompaniment, each carrying a tray with a flaming Baked Alaska dessert (later they used a sparkler firework planted in the top). The guests would rhythmically clap their progress around the room until the dishes were ceremonially placed on the table. I guess this has been phased out because of the fire risk but I still miss the taste and sensation of cold ice-cream encased in hot meringue.

[cruisecrazy]

I have been cruising for a long time and remember ALL of these things. And I loved every one. They even had a midnight chocolate party. Yummie.

[blessone]

I love the towel animals, that makes me smile when I come in my room .❤

[michelesosa-armour]

Went on a Royal Caribbean cruise this past October 2023. We had a different towel animal every day. I love it and so did my Grandson.